MINISTER of National Security Jack Warner has asked Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Naya Rampersad to have at least one Fire Service Youth Club in each division. “If the CFO can have a proposal on my desk within next month we can move forward,” said Warner as he addressed the Fire Service Youth Club of Morvant 2013 awards ceremony on Sunday at Morvant.

Observing that Rampersad had recently taken over as CFO and would assert his own style, ideas and vision, Warner said at the start of his tenure “it is most appropriate I let him know that one of the things I would like to see become a priority is the formation of at least one fire service youth club in each division.”

He gave an assurance that he would support with resources for the divisions to be a success.

“I know the Ag CFO can have that done by the end of this calender year if not sooner.”

He said if Rampersad could have a proposal on his desk within the next month then the “dream” could be driven forward.

Warner commended the fire officers, parents and youths who have kept the Morvant Fire Services Youth Club alive. He said “I understand that this is the only fire services youth club in the country at this time since it is the only one of about five or six to have survived.”

Warner said when he asked why the other clubs were closed or became inactive, he was told this happened due to “either the parents, the officers or the children did not show sufficient attention to keep those other clubs open.”

Warner was “disappointed” the officers, divisions and parents did not find that an investment in their own community, their own children, and the nation’s children was something worthwhile.

He said the Morvant Fire Service Youth Club should be a “light” to other clubs and praised the dedicated individuals who gave their love, time and effort over the years.

“You have demonstrated a level of commitment and responsibility that today is very rare in this country.”

In his address Warner said he planned to increase the auxiliary of the Defence Force and Fire Service, and increase the Special Reserve Police.

“There are too many officers in the auxiliary who are dissatisfied, disenchanted and when you ask them why, they have very good reasons which I recogise.”